Dachigam National Park – Erakina

The most picturesque park in the state, Dachigam is famous for the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag- the bare lineage of red Deer to be established in India. The park is 22 km from Srinagar, covering a region of more than 141 sq. km. The real beauty of the park lies in the intense valleys, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes, and rolling alpine pastures. Being discovered in the hilly region, Dachigam National Park confronts an enormous difference in the length that varies from 1600 m to 4200 m above sea level. This deviation in length categorizes Dachigam National Park into two regions- the upper region and the lower region.

Initially, the park was established to supply clean drinking water to Srinagar. Overdue it was renovated to a safe region in 1910. ‘Dachigam’ means “Ten Villages.” The name stands for the number of villages that were relocated to promote innovation. Dachigam was declared as a National Park in 1981 and since then it has been home to many rare species of animals within its premises.

Flora And Fauna

Dachigam is a well-known housing for the Hangul (Kashmir Stag). They can be handily placed in winters when they hang out in the lower canyons. Other dwellers at Dachigam are Musk deer, Brown Bear, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Black Bear, and a few species of wild Goat-like the Markhor and Ibex.

One can spot the numerous rare birds like Black Bulbuls, Cinnamon Sparrows, Himalayan Monals, Kashmir Flycatcher, the koklass pheasant and many more. You can also see the Golden Eagle and the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier seen flying higher in the sky.

In the flora category, Dachigam National Park is known to be extremely rich in Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine, and Elm.

General Information

The spot is well connected by the freeway from Srinagar. A 10 km long road drives through the deeper region but the bare path to tour most of the park is on foot. A few lodging buildings are accessible inside the park as well. The best time to tour the upper Dachigam is May to August, while for lower Dachigam it is September to December.

The entire impression of the park differs with every season. The park decorates a white cloak of sleet in the winters. Spring highlights the foliage of the park in discrepancy with the snow-clad peaks. Flowering bouquets and fruit plants form the major interest of the park in Spring. During the Summer season, the snow melts to unveil waterfalls and streams. As Autumn reaches, the panes of fences swivel to bright hues of Red, Gold, Yellow, and Orange. Dachigam National Park remains unpolluted and colourful throughout the year.

Major Highlights of Dachigam National Park

Permit Requirement:

A license has to be amassed from the Wildlife Department office to tour Dachigam National Park.

Entry Fee:

An entry fee of INR 25 has to be reimbursed for touring Dachigam National Park.

Visiting Hours:

Dachigam is open between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

No vehicles are entitled to go inside Dachigam National Park, it can only be scoured on foot. So, make sure you are physically able to step for hours. The Sangargulu Valley tour is only for seasoned trekkers. To explore the park, it is instructed to begin before dawn. Hold up your diet container and water as they are not available in and around the park.